Coaching book lists PM Modi among freedom fighters, sparks controversy

A coaching institute has come under scrutiny after a book associated with a competitive examination guide “Shivant Sir” reportedly listed Prime Minister Narendra Modi among India’s freedom fighters, alongside prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore.

Modi was born on September 17, 1950, three years after India became independent from British rule. He became the first Indian prime minister born after independence when he assumed office in 2014.

The book also reportedly includes several slogans and statements associated with Modi, including “Main bhi chowkidar”, as well as “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, “Jai Vigyan” and “Jai Anusandhan”, Maktoob Media reported.

A video purportedly showing the relevant section of the book has circulated widely on social media, prompting criticism over Modi’s inclusion alongside freedom fighters. Several users accused the material of presenting political messaging as educational content.

The video was shared by some users alongside the song “Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai”, which has previously drawn criticism over allegations that it contributes to a personality cult around the prime minister.

Critics alleged that the material distorted historical narratives by placing Modi’s political slogans alongside those associated with India’s freedom struggle. They also questioned the inclusion of such content in educational material intended for students preparing for competitive examinations, arguing that it could amount to political propaganda.

Some users drew attention to the material appearing on page 56, sarcastically linking the page number to the long-standing “56-inch chest” rhetoric associated with Modi’s image of strength and decisive leadership.

One X user described the development as deeply concerning, arguing that placing a leader born after independence alongside genuine freedom fighters could amount to an attempt to influence or indoctrinate children.

Another user criticised the material as an example of using history for political messaging and compared the book to an autobiography presented as though it carried official government endorsement.

Some social media users went further, comparing the alleged material with propaganda produced during Nazi Germany and accusing the RSS of employing similar methods. Others used the controversy to raise broader concerns about the condition and direction of India’s education system.